CHARM OF EGMONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1915, Page 3

CHARM OF EGMONT.

I ".PARADISE OF NATIVE PLANTS." SOME IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED. ' A VISITOR'S IMPRESSIONS. "A perfect paradise of native plants 1 and flowers in one of the most lovely scenic resorts between Auckland and the Bluff," briefly sums up the impressions of Mount Egmont formed by Dr. Levinge, of Ohristchurch, who is now visiting New Plymouth after having spent several days at the mountain. Dr. Levinge has just made his first visit to the mountain, and he returns greatly impressed with Egmont and its charming surroundings. In conversation with a Daily News representative yesterday, Dr. Levinge said he wa9 immensely struck with Mt. Egmont from a scenic point of view, and he had no hesitation in saving that he had met with no scenery in New Zealand which would surpass that around Mt. Egmont. The plant life and the bird life greatly interested the doctor, and he thinks the people of Taranaki should be alive to preserve and encourage the immense attractions which the mountain offers in this respect alone, to say nothing of the natural scenic advantages. "The mountain is a perfect paradise of native plants and native flowers, while the panoramic view from the mountain cannot be cqpalled in the Dominion," added Dr. Levinge. "The endless view of the plains stretching out on all sides from the foot of Mt. ligmont provide a wonderful picture, which gathers interest with the view of the mountains away in the centre of the Island. Every glimpse of the mountain is a lovely picture; every walk in the bush is. a treat in rare scenery; and the whole place is a most beautiful spot in which to spend a char.ming holiday. To anyone the attractions of Mt, Egmont are great, but to those who take an interest in plants and birds the field of investigation is boundless." "There are one or two directions in which improvements might be made," continued the doctor, "but in pointing them out I want you to clearly understand that whatever I can say qf the mountain must be in its favor, and I simply make these suggestions because I feel they would enhance the attractiveness of this highly picturesque place." Dr. Levinge said that anywhere in the neighborhood of the Mountain House would provide an ideal place for an alpine rock garden, which would be an asset which could not fail to attract visitors from everywhere. The garden could with advantage be laid out near the house, and while a feature should be made of New Zealand alpine plants, there is no reason why plants from other parts of the world should not 'be added. A Taranaki section, a New Zealand section, and a section for foreign plants could all be provided, and such a garden would at once make Mt. Egmont a world-wide attraction. More information concerning the 'botanical side should be available at the Mountain House, Dr. Levinge suggested. IJooks on New Zealand plants were not to be had there, though he had no doubt they would be greatly appreciated, for more people than one imagined were interested in plant life. Another much-felt want was a regular delivery of mails and newspapers at the house. Dr. Levinge said that while he was there several conveyances arrived from town every day, but none of them ever brought a newspaper. It would, lie pointed out, be a simple matter to arrange for a mail, service, and it would be greatly appreciated by visitors. "Altogether you have a most beautiful and interesting little town here, and it lends itself to beautifying so much that it should really become the garden town of New Zealand," said Dr. Levinge. "The uneven nature of the town—all hills and valleys—makes it particularly suited for beautification, and with the beaches and delightful gardens it can be made even prettier than it is. now. No one can visit the back country around New Plymouth and not be impressed by the way in which it is being developed, and with the growth of this development New Plymouth must become a splendid town. You will have all the features of a progressive town blended with picturesque natural surroundings."